'Rokerthon 2' Highlights Keesler Air Force Base on Veterans Day

Al Roker speaks with Col. Michele Edmondson, the 81st Training Wing commander, following Roker’s weather report during a segment of the Today Show on the flightline at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. Nov. 11, 2015. (U.S. Air Force/Kemberly Groue)
>

Air Force NewsBy Senior Airman Duncan McElroy

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. — Al Roker, the Today Show weather anchor, stopped by Keesler Air Force Base as part of an effort to set a mark for Guinness World Records on Veterans Day.

"Rokerthon 2" sees the weatherman delivering national and local weather forecasts in all 50 states in just one week.

At his stop in Biloxi, Mississippi, Roker highlighted Airmen, Sailors and Marines who attend the 335th Training Squadron's weather school, the only school of its kind in the Defense Department, and the 403rd Wing's Hurricane Hunters.

"To be on a military facility on Veterans Day is very special," Roker said. "It's very moving, the idea that we can't celebrate anything in our country without thanking our military."

On his way from Louisiana to Mississippi, Tech. Sgt. Yuri Miller, 334th TRS combat control instructor and Bronze Star with Valor recipient, rode along to share his story and spend time with the popular TV personality.

Once on the flightline, Roker delivered a forecast, interviewed with local media and gave a shoutout to the 53 Airmen, Sailors and Marines who were on scene for the visit.

"It was great to have Al Roker come here to highlight the servicemen and women across the Air Force and DOD, but to really share it with us at Keesler," said Col. Michele Edmondson, the 81st Training Wing commander. "They all called mom and dad last night and told them to watch TV this morning — what a great way to celebrate Veterans Day and Team Keesler."